Chapter 3

Divorce was practically unheard of in this era.

The clerk verified my decision several times, and only after seeing the absolute resolve in my eyes did he hand me the divorce application form.

"Once both spouses sign this document, we can process the dissolution of your marriage."

I carefully put the paper away and headed back to the compound.

Garrett and Toby hadn't returned yet, so I went into the kitchen, made a simple dinner for myself, and ate alone.

Just as I finished washing my plate, the two of them finally walked through the front door.

Garrett glanced at the empty dining table and instinctively asked, "Why didn't you make dinner for us?"

I looked at Toby's round, full belly and answered calmly, "Didn't you already eat at Dr. Beverly's house?"

Both Toby and Garrett were notoriously picky eaters who rarely touched outside food when invited to banquets.

I used to spend countless hours experimenting with recipes just to cater to their refined tastes.

No matter how late they came home, I would always leave a warm, three-person meal waiting on the table.

Now it seemed their picky habits vanished completely whenever they were at Beverly's place.

Of course. When dining with the woman they actually cherished, their appetites were naturally limitless.

Garrett's face stiffened, and he cleared his throat awkwardly to explain.

"We only stayed because it was difficult to decline Dr. Beverly's hospitality."

Toby patted his bulging stomach and muttered quietly, "Aunt Beverly's cooking is so delicious. I wish I could eat her food every single day."

My hands froze for a fraction of a second as a deep, suffocating exhaustion swept over me.

I quickly finished cleaning the kitchen, washed up, and lay down in bed.

Just as I was drifting into a haze of sleep, a pair of large, familiar arms pulled me into a warm embrace.

"I need to discuss something with you."

Garrett's deep voice shattered my drowsiness instantly.

Before I could speak, he continued on his own.

"Next month, I'm being deployed to the Pacific outpost. There's only one military dependent quota, and I want to bring Beverly."

"As for Toby, he's still young and won't take up a quota, so I'll bring him along too. You stay behind at the compound to take care of my parents. Once I settle down at the base, I'll send for you."

A sharp pang hit my nose, and my fingernails dug into my palms.

Rather than a discussion, this was an uncompromising command.

In my past life, Garrett had spoken these exact same words.

Back then, I didn't understand why he wanted to give the dependent slot to Beverly when I was his wife.

He explained that the outpost was on an isolated island without a resident doctor, and soldiers often suffered from untreated illnesses, which was why he needed Beverly.

After immense inner turmoil, I eventually agreed, but on one condition: Toby had to stay with me.

Life on the outpost was harsh, and with Garrett busy on duty, I worried he couldn't take proper care of a young child.

Seeing how stubborn I was, Garrett compromised and promised he would return to bring us both over.

That promise turned out to be a lifetime of waiting.

In the end, even Toby blamed me for keeping him away from his father, claiming my existence stole Beverly's rightful place.

Thinking back now, if the island lacked medical personnel, the military command could easily assign staff. Why did Garrett have to use his private dependent quota to bring Beverly?

The truth was simple: he couldn't bear to be separated from her, and bringing Toby was meant to complete their happy family.

How ridiculous that I was too blind to see through it in my previous life.

A heavy weight pressed against my chest, making it hard to breathe.

I wriggled out of his arms, put some distance between us, and whispered a single word.

"Okay."

Garrett was taken aback, clearly not expecting me to agree so effortlessly.

He stared at me with mixed emotions and softened his tone in a rare display of reassurance.

"Don't worry. I'll come back for you. When the time comes, our family of three will be reunited on the island."

I closed my eyes and pretended not to hear a thing.

Early the next morning, when I woke up, Garrett was already in the study handling paperwork.

After finishing my breakfast, I pulled out the divorce application form.

Looking at the bold red text, my mind drifted for a moment.